Mining sectors in Chile and Peru see investment growth and labor challenges

The mining sectors in Chile and Peru are experiencing significant shifts in investment and labor dynamics. In Chile, a projected sector investment exceeding US$51 billion over the next decade is driving a demand for specialized talent. Despite a national unemployment rate of 9.4%, mining companies are struggling to find certified professionals and technicians with the specific experience required for high-risk operations. This shortage of highly specialized profiles is creating intense competition among companies as multiple expansion projects resume simultaneously.

In Peru, mining investment rose by 42.7% in the first half of 2026, reaching US$3.3 billion according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This growth is largely driven by infrastructure, expansion, and operational improvements rather than solely new deposits. Significant increases were noted in development and preparation (113.5%) and infrastructure (84.9%). Major expenditures were concentrated among large-scale operations, with Southern Peru Copper Corporation leading the investment rankings.